American Military Operation on Venezuela Stokes Concerns of Potential Greenland Acquisition.

The latest US-led military action in Venezuela and the detention of its leader have ignited unease regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly focused on the vast island in the wake of the events in South America.

Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash

Only hours after the start of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, shared a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the stars and stripes, with the cryptic caption: "SOON."

This overt suggestion to claim the mineral-rich land, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong condemnation from Danish representatives.

"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and our security," stated the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the US work together to guarantee security in the North."

The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large amount expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.

Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals

The tensions were further complicated by the recent naming of a US state governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had openly thanked the commander-in-chief, saying it was an "privilege" to serve in a unpaid capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."

Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy praised the president's actions, connecting it to the wider "war on drugs."

Ever since returning to office, the US president has repeatedly alarmed transatlantic partners with his expressed interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US military base.

Refusing to Rule Out Force

In a significant television appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during intensifying great-power rivalry in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.

He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for global security."

Growing Friction and Indigenous Opposition

In response to this persistent "drumbeat" of intent, Danish security agency took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "security risk."

The leaders of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and stern rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You cannot annex other countries."

Surveys in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants seek independence from Denmark, there is simultaneously scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.

Analyst Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?

Some analysts are now re-evaluating the possibility of such a action. One thinktank director specializing in defence conceded she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."

"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to station a couple hundred or a few thousand troops on Greenland, and it's not clear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.